What animals make up the diet of the Eurasian lynx?
The Eurasian lynx is a specialized predator that primarily hunts ungulates, or hoofed mammals. Its diet varies significantly based on the availability of prey within its range.12
Primary Prey
In many European regions, the lynx relies heavily on small- to medium-sized deer, particularly roe deer, which can constitute 70 to 100 percent of its diet. Other common ungulate prey includes:2
* Chamois12
* Musk deer12
* Red deer and reindeer (often targeting young or vulnerable individuals)2
* Blue sheep, Tibetan antelopes, and Tibetan gazelles in the eastern parts of its range2
Alternative Food Sources
When ungulates are scarce, the lynx consumes a variety of other animals, including hares, wild boars, marmots, foxes, rodents, pikas, and birds (including their eggs). It may also occasionally prey on domestic livestock, such as sheep and goats.12